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HINCHCLIFFE FOCUSED ON CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT

Huddersfield Giants welcome Swinton Lions to the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup 5th Round (kick-off 12:30pm) and Ryan Hinchcliffe wants to see the Claret & Gold return to winning ways.

The Giants narrowly lost out to Warrington Wolves on Monday and the Australian was heartened by the display but ultimately disappointed to come away with nothing.

“It was a really good step in the right direction for us. The big improvement for us was our ball control. In the Catalans game we were about 60 per-cent with our completion but against Warrington we were around 85-90 per-cent.

“We went from 18 errors to about 6 errors and that’s the game right there. It’s all about possession and building pressure on your opponents. When you hold the ball you can do that.

“I thought with the ball we did enough to get the two points. Just a couple of defensive lapses at times cost us the game which seems to be a pretty common occurrence for us. We’ve just got to fix that defence up a little bit through the middle of the field.

“It’s a massive part of the game is the effort and the fight we show. We need to couple that with a bit of execution and a bit more willingness to defend when we’re under a bit of fatigue. If we do that then we’ll give ourselves a chance to win these games.”

Over the Easter period, Hinchcliffe has enjoyed seeing young players contributing and the addition of off-season signing, Jake Mamo to the team.

“Darnell and Sam Wood have done a good job. Those guys especially in the outside backs where we are running a bit short of numbers have impressed. It’s an opportunity that this Easter period presents, for these young guys to get a go. They can put their best foot forward and keep turning up.

“Jake’s been very good for our group. He offers a good point of difference for our team. He’s an exciting player and a really positive player to have out there. He’s another positive voice to hear. I thought, for his first two games back, he’s played really well.”

With injuries taking hold at the Giants over the past few weeks, Ryan has had his chance to play on the edge and the former-Melbourne Storm star is enjoying his new role.

“It’s been through default with the amount of injuries we’ve had. The units we’ve had that can fit into the back row have been injured. I enjoy the role. I’ve played a lot of footy over the years, I’m comfortable playing there. I lack a bit of size but when I play there but I still feel like I can do a job for the team.”

Swinton Lions are the next opponent for the Giants and Hinchcliffe’s past experience against Championship teams will stand him and the team in good stead.

“Championship sides turn up with a lot of energy and a lot of passion. We have a healthy respect for them and we won’t be taking them lightly at all.”

“It is a little bit different but when you get out on the field it’s 13 v 13. They certainly play with a lot of passion and energy. It can be difficult, they come out and try and rattle your cage a little bit and try and put you off your game.

“For us, we need to just worry about ourselves and focus on the things we do well when we play well with the ball and without the ball. If we do that, we’ll give ourselves that chance to have the performance that we want.”

FREE ENTRY FOR JUNIOR SEASON TICKET HOLDERS

Tickets for Sunday's game are now on sale from the John Smith’s Stadium Ticket Office and Junior Season Ticket holders are reminded they have a Junior Cup voucher located in their booklet, which can be used to gain FREE entry for this game, either by exchanging beforehand or they will be accepted on the day. Supporters can also pay on the turnstiles.

Ticket prices for the game are below:

Adults - £15

Concessions - £10

Under 16s - £5

Under 5s – FREE

The Revell Ward and Britannia Rescue stands are open for this game for Giants supporters.

Seating is unreserved but 2017 Season Ticket holders can use their reserved seat by bringing their booklet as proof.